It is important to support LGBTQ+ young people because they face unique challenges and risks. The following page will look at research and services which focus on supporting the challenges of LGBT+ young people.
The organisation Stonewell have published research with the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge into the experiences of over 3,700 lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) pupils in British schools. The School Report 2017 is a study which shows that while progress has been made over the last decade, many LGBT young people continue to face significant challenges in Britain’s schools. (Source).
Watch the video below for an overview of the report or read full report here:
Stonewall have produced a variety of education resources and toolkits which follow best practice along with online training courses for schools and professionals to help challenge some of the finding they have highlighted in their research. For access to education resources and online courses follow the links provided. (Source).
Support and Resources
There are many resources available to support LGBTQ+ young people. One such resource is The Proud Trust, which provides a range of helpful information covering topics such as coming out, faith and religion, and staying safe. They also provide stories and experiences from other LGBTQ+ people through the “people like me” page.
The Proud Trust also offer a Live Chat function which provides online support for LGBT+ young people and the adults in their lives and has a directory of youth groups for LGBT+ young people to access both in person and online. (Source).
The Proud trust do not just offer support online for LGBT+ young people but also for Trusted Adults who would like to access some helpful information to help in supporting the LGBT+ young people you are in contact with. These resources cover a range of different areas such as exploring LGBT+ identities, LGBT+ inclusion and how to support young people coming out as LGBT+. You’ll also find information and biographies of LGBT+ people within ‘LGBT+ Icons’. (Source).
Alongside this the Proud Trust also delivers various training opportunities for schools and professionals as well as creating LGBT+ positive resources for schools, colleges, and other youth settings, to equip them in being fully LGBT+ inclusive in their practice, policy, and curriculum. Click Here to see their full offer. (Source).
Another organisation that supports LGBTQ+ children and young people is Barnardo’s. They provide direct support to LGBTQ+ children and young people around their gender and sexual identities. There service offers a safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ young people. (Source).
Just like us is another LGBT+ young people charity which has a bank of research commissioned to further understand a variety of topics impacting LGBT+ young people. Alongside this the charity have produced some free LGBT+ resources to help schools take part in diversity week and offer a Pride Group Programme which has school resources and training to help schools establish LGBT+/Ally Club in schools – Click here for more information.
More organisations which provide support:
Switchboard – Is a national LGBTQIA+ support line which allows anyone to feel able to discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity.
Mermaids - Support transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and young people, as well as their families and professionals to help support children and young people to explore their gender identity. Mermaids offers online chats and youth community for young people as well as resources for parents.
LGBT+ and Mental Health
Mental health problems such as depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders and anxiety can affect anyone however they are more common among people who identify as LGBTQIA+. Discrimination, stigma and prejudice can all be factors in why people with LGBTQIA+ identities are more likely to struggle with their mental health. (Source).
Supporting children to embrace their LGBTQIA+ identity to increase confidence, improve relationships and establish a sense of community and belonging can have a positive impact on wellbeing. (Source).
Place2be and Anna Freud provide information and resources on a wide collection of support available to support LGBT+ young people with their mental health for young people, parents and professionals.
NSPCC also provide resources on safeguarding LGBTQ+ children and young people. Their resources cover a range of topics including understanding intersectionality, policies and procedures you should have in place, and best practices for supporting LGBTQ+ children and young people.
Updated 08/02/2024